Abia Govt Signals Readiness to Partner NCRIB to Boost Insurance Penetration

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has expressed the state government’s willingness to collaborate with the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB) to strengthen and expand insurance penetration across the state.

Governor Otti made this known on Tuesday while receiving a delegation of the NCRIB, led by its President, Mrs. Ekeoma Ezeibe, at Nvosi in Isiala Ngwa Local Government Area. He noted that insurance could become simpler and more reliable for Nigerians if it is properly explained and driven with integrity.

The governor observed that insurance products have long been perceived as difficult to sell due to complex documentation and hidden exclusions, which often frustrate policyholders during claims. According to him, the establishment of the NCRIB has helped address these challenges by serving as a bridge between insurance companies and customers, promoting transparency and protecting the interests of the insured.

Governor Otti described as encouraging the fact that the Council currently has about 600 registered insurance brokers nationwide. He said the proposals presented by the delegation on involving the government in efforts to deepen insurance adoption in Abia State were innovative, reasonable, and timely.

While explaining that government traditionally provides an enabling environment for businesses, the governor noted that the presentation suggested a more active role for government in driving insurance penetration. He said he had no objection to such an approach, provided it delivers tangible value to policyholders.

“In the past, people often signed insurance documents they barely understood, only to discover hidden exclusions in fine print that defeated the very purpose of the policy,” the governor said. “The NCRIB has helped to address this by standing between insurance companies and their customers.

“What you have presented is reasonable, even though it appears novel. Ordinarily, government provides an enabling environment, but this is a call for government to actively drive the process, and I am open to that as long as value is delivered, especially to the insured.”

Governor Otti directed his Special Adviser on Internally Generated Revenue, Dr. Emmanuel Okpechi; Special Adviser on Monitoring and Evaluation, Mr. Ugochukwu Okoroafor; and his Technical Assistant, Mr. Charles Egonye, to work with the NCRIB team to fine-tune the initiative. He expressed confidence that implementation could begin once arrangements are concluded.

The governor also thanked the Council for choosing Umuahia as the venue for its 2026 CEOs’ Retreat, assuring the delegation of the state government’s support to ensure a successful event. He expressed confidence in the leadership of Mrs. Ezeibe, noting that she would take the Council to greater heights, while stressing the importance of competence, capacity building, and attracting young people into the insurance profession.

He highlighted the Abia Leadership Academy, which trained about 1,000 youths last year, as part of efforts to groom future leaders. Governor Otti further reiterated that Abia State remains open, inclusive, and non-discriminatory, stressing that appointments in his administration are strictly based on merit. He invited investors and businesses to establish operations in the state as partners in development.

Earlier, Mrs. Ezeibe underscored the critical role of insurance in driving sustainable economic development. She said infrastructure growth and commercial revival must be supported by effective risk management to ensure long-term success.

She described insurance as a vital tool for business continuity, protection of public assets and private investments, and for strengthening the social contract between government and citizens. According to her, increased insurance penetration supports private sector growth, encourages tax compliance, and promotes economic stability.

Mrs. Ezeibe also highlighted reforms introduced under the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act (NIRA) 2025, which expanded compulsory insurance coverage. She disclosed plans to establish an insurance brokerage marketplace in Aba to extend micro-insurance services to traders and small businesses.

She explained that the initiative would protect vulnerable enterprises, create jobs through enforcement and compliance, and serve as a model for expanding insurance access in other states. Commending Governor Otti, Mrs. Ezeibe praised his administration for reversing years of infrastructure decay in Aba and other parts of the state, noting visible improvements in markets and road networks that have revitalised commercial activities.

She recalled that Aba, once the commercial hub of Eastern Nigeria, had suffered prolonged neglect that weakened trade and export activities, a situation she said has significantly improved under the current administration.